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| United States Patent |
6,042,511
|
|
Bulloch
|
March 28, 2000
|
Hockey training apparatus
Abstract
An exercise, training and conditioning apparatus for skaters which includes
a pair of movable foot platforms that are guided along a pair of coupled
track sections, and a latching mechanism that alternatively secures and
releases one of the pair of foot platforms while releasing and securing
another one of the pair of foot platforms. According to one embodiment,
the pair of track sections are coupled together at 90.degree.. Resistance
to movement is applied to the pair of foot platforms by elastic or
inelastic cables.
| Inventors:
|
Bulloch; Ron C. (6134 Eagle Creek Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46804)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
111014 |
| Filed:
|
July 7, 1998 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
482/51; 482/71; 482/79 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A63B 023/04; A63B 022/08 |
| Field of Search: |
482/51,70,71,79,80
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 3627315 | Dec., 1971 | Marcyan.
| |
| 3756595 | Sep., 1973 | Hague.
| |
| 3834693 | Sep., 1974 | Poppenberger.
| |
| 4601464 | Jul., 1986 | Mousel.
| |
| 4781372 | Nov., 1988 | McCormack.
| |
| 4811941 | Mar., 1989 | Elo.
| |
| 4915373 | Apr., 1990 | Walker.
| |
| 4993704 | Feb., 1991 | Luczynski.
| |
| 5044355 | Sep., 1991 | Reopelle.
| |
| 5279531 | Jan., 1994 | Jen-Huey.
| |
| 5284460 | Feb., 1994 | Miller et al.
| |
| 5316530 | May., 1994 | Romer.
| |
| 5496239 | Mar., 1996 | Kallman et al.
| |
| 5503609 | Apr., 1996 | Bull.
| |
| 5520598 | May., 1996 | Little.
| |
Primary Examiner: Crow; S. Ro
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Barnes & Thornburg
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A training apparatus for skaters which comprises:
a pair of track sections;
a pair of platforms, each one of the pair of platforms being coupled to one
of the pair of track sections for movement thereon; and
a latching mechanism, said latching mechanism including structure for
alternatively securing and releasing one of the pair of platforms while
releasing and securing another one of the pair of platforms.
2. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 1, wherein each one
of the pair of track sections are linear and coupled together at adjacent
ends.
3. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 2, wherein the
latching mechanism is positioned between the adjacent ends of the pair of
track sections.
4. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 1, wherein the
operable latching structure includes at least one movable latching means.
5. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 4, wherein the
operable latching structure includes at least one pivotal latching means.
6. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 5, wherein the
operable latching structure includes two pivotal latching means.
7. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 1, wherein each one
of the pair of platforms includes a latch engaging structure which engages
the latching mechanism.
8. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 1, further
comprising a resistance applying a cable coupled to each one of the pair
of platforms.
9. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 8, wherein the
resistance applying cables are elastic.
10. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 1, wherein each one
of the pair of platforms includes a wheel assembly.
11. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 10, wherein each
wheel assembly includes wheels which lie in non-parallel planes.
12. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 11, wherein each
wheel assembly includes wheels which lie in orthogonal planes.
13. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 6, wherein each of
said two pivotal latching means are provided with a projection which
projections are aligned to be struck by the pair of platforms and thereby
pivot the two pivotal latching means.
14. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 6, wherein each one
of the pair of platforms are provided with a projection which projections
are aligned to strike the two pivotal latching means and there by pivot
the two pivotal latching means.
15. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 6, further
comprising means to bias the two pivotal latching means.
16. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 2, wherein the pair
of track sections are pivotally coupled together.
17. A training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pair of track
section are coupled together at approximately 90.degree..
18. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 1, wherein each one
of the pair of track sections includes a pair of elongate channel members.
19. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 18, wherein each
pair of elongate channel members are coupled together by at least one
intermediate plate.
20. A training apparatus for skaters according to claim 19, wherein the
pair of track sections are coupled together by end pieces which are
provided at adjacent ends thereof.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to exercise and training devices for ice
skaters. More particularly, the present invention is directed to devices
for exercising, strengthening and conditioning the muscles of ice skaters
and for training hockey players in proper stride techniques.
BACKGROUND ART
It has long been recognized that training and exercise activities which are
specific to a sport that one wishes to excel in are beneficial and that
such exercises can develop improved strength and agility in the actual
groups of muscles used when participating in the particular sport. When
one exercises for a specific sport, one not only gains strength and
endurance, but one also increases his or her skills in performing that
sport. Exercises embodying resistance to muscle movement increase the
strength of the muscle groups being exercised. Moreover, it has been found
that exercising muscles at the specific angle at which they are utilized
in a particular sport significantly improves one's skill in that sport.
Therefore, in order to increase their skill, strength and endurance in a
particular sport, athletes will frequently engage in exercises that
mobilize specific muscle groups.
The forward stride is a basic or fundamental maneuver in hockey which
involves particular skate and body positions and movement of a skater's
legs. While performing the forward stride, a skater starts with his feet
in a "V" or "Arrow Tip" position and, after each stride, returns his feet
to this position. At the same time, the skater bends his knees over the
front of his skates, and maintains his back straight and shoulders square.
The best way to master the forward stride and to train and condition one's
muscles to efficiently perform this basic maneuver is to practice this
maneuver on ice. This requires a considerable amount of practice time on
ice or "ice time" which may not be available, particularly in locations
where there are limited ice facilities that are heavily scheduled.
Several ice skating exercising devices have been proposed which allow
skaters to exercise off ice, including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,503,609 to Bull, U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,460 to Miller et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,915,373 to Walker, U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,941 to Elo, U.S. Pat. No.
4,781,372 to McCormack, U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,214 to Schutzer and U.S. Pat.
No. 3,756,595 to Hague. Other related exercise devices can be found in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,598 to Little, U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,239 to Kallman et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,530 to Romer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,531 to
Jen-Huey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,355 to Reopelle, U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,704 to
Luczynski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,464 to Mousel, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,693 to
Poppenberger, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,315 to Marcyan.
The present invention is directed to a device for exercising, strengthening
and conditioning the muscles of ice skaters and for training hockey
players in proper form and stride techniques.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an exercise apparatus which can be used by a
skater to practice basic stride techniques, develop proper form, and
condition muscles.
The present invention further provides an exercise apparatus which
simulates actual "on ice" conditions associated with basic stride
techniques.
The apparatus of the present invention includes a pair of track sections
which can be coupled together during use, a pair of platforms, and a
latching mechanism. Each one of the pair of platforms is coupled to one of
the pair of track sections for movement thereon. The latching mechanism
includes structure for alternatively securing and releasing one of the
pair of platforms while releasing and securing another one of the pair of
platforms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described hereafter with reference to the
attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise/training device according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is top view of the exercise/training device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of one side of the exercise/training device of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the rail or track
sections of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of one side of the rail or track section of FIG.
4.
FIG. 6 is a top view of an exercise/training device which utilizes the rail
or track sections of FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 7 is top view of the details of a latching mechanism according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is top view of the details of a latching mechanism according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention
in which the resistance is applied to the platforms by flexible bow
elements.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to devices for exercising, strengthening
and conditioning the muscles of ice skaters and for training hockey
players in proper form and stride techniques. The devices of the present
invention allow a skater to practice the forward stride in a manner which
simulates actual conditions on ice. In this regard, the devices of the
present invention allow a skater to keep his feet in the "V" or "Arrow
Tip" position after each stride. Moreover, the devices allow a skater's
feet to move outward and rearward at an angle which will develop the
optimum thrust. By bending his knees over the front of his skates and
maintaining his back straight and shoulders square while using the devices
of the present invention, a skater can develop proper form while
conditioning his muscles.
The devices of the present invention include a pair of platforms which the
user stands on so that one foot is on each of the platforms. The platforms
are coupled to a rail or track assembly which guides movement of the
platforms. The rail or track assembly includes two rail or track sections
which are coupled together at an angle. The angle at which the rail or
track sections intersect is preferably 90.degree.. However, this angle can
be varied, and according to one embodiment of the present invention, the
angle at which the rail or track sections intersect is adjustable.
The devices of the present invention include a latching mechanism which
alternatively locks one of the platforms in a stationary position, while
the other platform is allowed to slide along its respective rail or track
section. As the unlocked or unlatched platform engages the latching
mechanism, that platform becomes latched or locked in a stationary
position and the other platform is released by the latching mechanism
whereby it is allowed to move along its respective rail or track section.
Thus, as described in more detail below, the latching mechanism allows the
user to stride alternatively with each foot/leg. This movement simulates
the forward stride as it is actually preformed on ice.
The devices of the present invention include means for applying and
adjusting resistance against the sliding movement of the platforms along
their respective rail or track sections. By applying and adjusting, e.g.
increasing, resistance against the sliding movement of the platforms, one
can strengthen muscles that are used in performing the forward stride.
Various means to apply and adjust resistance against the sliding movement
of the platforms include elastic cables, flexible bows, weights and cable
systems, fluid pistons, elastic bands, etc.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise/training device according to
one embodiment of the present invention. The device includes two rail or
track sections 1, 1' which are coupled together at adjacent ends so that
the rail or track sections 1, 1' intersect at an angle as shown. The angle
at which the track or rail sections 1, 1' intersect is preferably about
90.degree.. However greater (up to 180.degree.) or smaller (down to
0.degree.) angles can be used if desired. According to one embodiment in
which the rail or track sections 1, 1' are coupled by a pivotal
connection, the angle at which they intersect can be easily adjusted.
Each rail or track section 1, 1' includes a platform 2, 2'. The platforms
2, 2' are designed to freely slide along their respective rail or track
sections 1, 1'. The platforms 2, 2' provide a movable stage upon which a
user stands so that each of the user's feet are on one of the platforms 2,
2'. Thus, it is understood that the size of the platforms 2, 2' is such to
receive a person's foot. The upper surfaces of the platforms 2, 2' can be
provided with a medium, e.g. rubber mat, that has a roughened surface
which increases the frictional forces between a user's feet and the
platform surfaces. Otherwise, the upper surface of the platforms 2, 2' can
themselves be roughened to increase the frictional forces between a user's
feet and the platform surfaces. In addition, the rear edges of the
platforms 2, 2' can be provided with small upright structures, against
which a user's feet can abut.
The platforms 2, 2' are coupled to the rail or track sections 1, 1' by
wheels or bearings which allow the platforms 2, 2' to move freely along
the rail or track sections 1, 1'. The rail or track sections 1, 1' guide
the movement of the platforms 2, 2' and the feet of the user, thus
assuring that the user performs a desired stride motion while
exercising/training.
A latching mechanism 3 is provided adjacent the point at which the rail or
track sections 1, 1' intersect. The latching mechanism 3 alternatively
latches or locks one of the platforms 2, 2' in a stationary position,
while allowing the other platform 2, 2' to move along its respective rail
or track section 1, 1'. Details of the latching mechanism 3 will be
discussed more fully below.
Resistance forces can be applied to the platforms 2, 2' by attaching
elastic or inelastic cables thereto, which cables can extend beneath the
platforms 2, 2' and within the rail or track sections 1, 1'. Such
resistance applying and adjusting means are mentioned above and discussed
in more detail below.
FIG. 2 is top view of the exercise/training device of FIG. 1. The rail or
track sections 1, 1' are depicted as being coupled together at adjacent
ends 4, 4', between which latching mechanism 3 is located. The latching
mechanism 3 includes opposed pivotal latching arms 5, 5' which are spring
biased to engage fixed latching arms 6, 6' that are mounted on the
platforms 2, 2'. Also, shown in FIG. 2 are disengaging projections
associated with the latching mechanism 3 which cause the pivotal latching
arms 5, 5' to pivot and become disengaged or unlatched from the fixed
latching arms 6, 6' of the platforms 2, 2'. As discussed below, the
disengaging projections can be attached and extend from the platforms 2,
2' or can be attached and extend from the pivotal latching arms 5, 5', so
that as the disengaging projections strike the pivotal latching arms 5, 5'
or are struck by the platforms 2, 2', the pivotal latching arms 5, 5'
pivot to a release position. Although depicted as being straight, the
pivotal latching arms 5, 5' can be angled (or curved) as necessary to
accommodate various angles at which the rail or track sections 1, 1'
intersect.
FIG. 2 depicts the upper edge portions 7 of the rail or track sections 1,
1'. These upper edge portions 7 are provided to retain the platform wheel
assembly 8 (see FIG. 3) of the platforms 2, 2'. This platform wheel
assembly 8 allows the platforms 2, 2' to move easily along the rail or
track sections 1, 1'.
In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 2 an elastic cable 14
is attached to each of the platforms 2, 2' to provide resistance. As
depicted in track or rail section 1, one end of the elastic cable 14 is
attached to a fixed location in the track or rail section 1, and the other
end of the elastic cable 14 is attached to platform 2. The elastic cable
14 passes through pulleys 16 and 17 at opposite ends of the track or rail
sections 1, 1' so as to apply a forward biasing force to the platforms 2,
2'. According to one embodiment, bungee cord was used as the elastic cable
14.
One or more brace members 18 can be provided between the rear portions of
the rail or track sections 1, 1'. According to one embodiment of the
present invention, the fixed end of the elastic cables 14 can be secured
in adjustable positions in or along one of the brace members 18. In this
regard, pulley 16 can be positioned to allow elastic cables 14 to extend
along or within one of the brace members 18. The free end of the elastic
cables 14 can be fixed in adjustable positions along the brace member 18
by means of pins, hooks, etc.
The rail or track sections 1, 1' can be coupled together by means of a
rectangular or triangular platform 19 which supports the latching
mechanism 3. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
adjacent ends 4, 4' of the rail or track sections 1, 1' are partially
capped with end pieces that can be pivotally coupled together.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of one side of the exercise/training device of
FIG. 1. FIG. 3 depicts how the platform wheel assembly 8 maintains the
vertical position of the platforms 2, 2'. That is, as shown, the vertical
wheels 11 are positioned between the bottom 12 of the rail or track
sections 1, 11 and the lower surface 13 of the upper edge portions 7 of
the rail or track sections 1, 1'. The horizontal wheels 9 engage the inner
side surfaces 10 of the rail or track sections 1, 1' and thus maintain the
axial position of the platforms 2, 2' with respect to the central axes of
the rail or track sections 1, 1'.
FIG. 3 also depicts how elastic cable 14 extends through pulleys 16 and 17
and is attached at opposite ends to platform 1 and a fixed position 20.
Pulleys 16 and 17 can either be attached to ends of the rail or track
sections 1, 1' or to bottom portions of the rail or track sections 1, 1'
adjacent the ends thereof.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the rail or track
sections 1, 1'. Whereas the rail or track sections depicted in FIGS. 1-3
can be made out of metal, wood, composite materials, or any suitably rigid
materials, the rail or track section 1 of FIG. 4 is a formed metal
structure. In this embodiment, each rail or track section 1, 1' includes
opposed elongate channel members 21 that are configured to receive therein
the platform wheel assembly 8. As depicted, the elongate channel members
21 are configured to include U-shaped bottom portions 22, side walls 23
and upper edge portions 24. The horizontal wheels 9 of the platform wheel
assembly 8 are shown as engaging the inner side walls 23 of the elongated
channel members 21. Similarly, the vertical wheels 11 of the platform
wheel assembly 8 engage the bottom portion 22 of the elongate channel
members 21 and the lower surface 13 of the upper edge portions 7 of the
elongate channel members 21.
The opposed elongate channel members 21 of each track or rail section 1, 1'
can be coupled together by one or more plate members 25 that are attached
between each elongate channel member 21. The pulleys 16, 17 which guide
the elastic or inelastic cables that apply resistance to the platforms 2,
2' can be mounted on plate members 25 as depicted in FIG. 4. Because the
facing surfaces 26 of the elongate channel members 21 are located at a
height above the bottom portion thereof, the pulleys 16, 17 are positioned
above the bottom portion 22 and there is adequate clearance beneath the
plate members 25 for mechanical fasteners to secure the pulleys 16, 17 as
depicted.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of one side of the rail or track section of FIG.
4. FIG. 5 depicts one manner by which the rail or track sections 1, 1' can
be coupled together. In this regard, an angled piece or plate 27 is
attached to the leading ends 4,4' of the rail or track sections 1, 1' as
depicted. The angled plate 27 can also be attached to the plate member 25
which is attached between the elongate channel members 21. The rail or
track sections 1, 1' are coupled together by coupling their angled plates
27 together as shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is a top view of an exercise/training device which utilizes the rail
or track sections of FIGS. 4 and 5. The rail or track sections 1, 1' in
FIG. 6 are coupled together by a triangular platform 19 which can be
coupled to the angled plates 27 that are attached to the adjacent ends of
the rail or track sections 1, 1'. For example, the triangular platform 19
could be coupled to the angled plate by pins, bolts, or other cooperating
engaging structures or mechanical fasteners. The latching mechanism 3 is
attached to and supported by triangular platform 19.
FIG. 6 depicts two brace members 18, 18' between the rail or track sections
1, 1' which help maintain the angular alignment of the rail or track
sections 1, 1'. As depicted, the rear most brace member 18' receives one
end of the elastic cable 14 of each of the rail or track sections 1, 1'
(one shown). In this regard, brace member 18' preferably includes a
channel through which the elastic cables 14 extend so as to protect the
elastic cables 14. In addition, brace member 18' includes a plurality of
spaced apart pins, hook, holes, etc. 28 which allow the free ends of
elastic cables 14 to be attached at different positions along brace member
18' in order to adjust the resistance applied the platforms 2, 2'.
The angle at which the rail or track sections 1, 1' intersect in the
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 6 can be varied by merely
varying the angle of the legs of triangular platform 19 and the length of
brace members 18, 18'. According to a further embodiment, the angled
plates 27 of the rail or track sections 1, 1' can be attached together by
a pivotal connection which will allow the angle at which the rail or track
sections 1, 1' intersect to be adjusted from 0.degree. to 180.degree.. In
this embodiment, the rail or track sections 1, 1' can be folded together
for purposes of storing or shipping the device. When assembled, the
triangular platform 19 and brace members 18, 18 can be used to maintain
the angle between the rail or track members 1, 1'.
FIG. 7 is top view of the details of a latching mechanism according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The latching mechanism 3 includes two
opposed pivotal latching arms 5, 5'. The pivotal latching arms 5, 5' are
opposed in that they include hook projections 29 that extend inwardly
toward one another. The pivotal latching arms 5, 5' also include angled
cam surfaces 30 on their distal ends which cooperate with corresponding
cam surfaces provided on the fixed latching arms as discussed in more
detail below. The pivotal latching arms 5, 5' are biased inwardly by
elastic members 31 which are attached between the pivotal latching arms 5,
5' and the leading edge of the rail or track sections 1,
Each platform 2, 2' is provided with a fixed latching arm 6, 6' which is
cooperatively aligned with a respective pivotal latching arm 5, 5'. As
discussed above, in use, one platform is secured in a fixed position by
the latching mechanism 3, while the other platform slides along its
respective rail or track section. Accordingly, FIG. 7 shows how platform
2' would be engaged by pivotal latching arm 5. Platform 2 includes both a
fixed latching arm 6 and disengaging projection 32. As platform 2 moves
toward latching mechanism 3, the disengaging projection 32 contacts
pivotal latching arm 5' and pushes pivotal latching arm 5' outward so as
to disengage pivotal latching arm 5' and fixed latching arm 6' which
extends from platform 2'. As platform 2' becomes disengaged from the
latching mechanism 3, platform 2 becomes engaged by the latching mechanism
3. That is, as platform 2 moves toward latching mechanism 3, the fixed
latching arm 6 on platform 2 contacts pivotal latching arm 5, causing the
cooperating cam surfaces of thereof to push pivotal latching arm 5 outward
and into engagement with fixed latching arm 6 as platform 2 continues to
move forward. This unlatching/latching process which allows the platforms
2, 2' to alternatively be released and latched in their forward positions
is repeated every time one of the platforms 2, 2' moves to its forward
position.
FIG. 8 is top view of the details of a latching mechanism according to
another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
pivotal latching arms 5, 5' are biased inwardly by spring elements 33.
Also in this embodiment, the disengaging projections 32 are provided so
that they extend from the pivotal latching arms 5, 5'. By providing the
disengaging projections 32 on the pivotal latching arms 5, 5', the fixed
latching arms 6, 6' which are attached to the platforms 2, 2' can abut and
strike the disengaging projections 32 while alternatively releasing the
platforms, and engaging the pivotal latching arms 5, 5' in a latching
manner. As depicted, the fixed latching arms 6, 6' can comprise fixed
latching structures which include hook projections 34 and cam surfaces 35
without an "arm" structure. Also, the forward edge of the platforms 2, 2'
can include an abutting structure which engages the disengaging
projections 32 of the latching mechanism 3. The modifications of this
embodiment provide a more compact latching mechanism 3 and allow the
elements of latching mechanism 3 to be concealed.
FIG. 9 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention
in which the resistance is applied to the platforms 2, 2' by flexible
bows. As depicted, cables 14 pass through pulleys 16 which are located
near the end of the rail or track sections 1, 1' and are attached to bow
elements 36. The bow elements 36 are flexible elongate elements which are
securely attached to the rail or track sections 1, 1' at one end and are
provided with free ends 37 to which cables 14 can be attached. Because the
bow elements 36 are flexible, their free ends 37 can be pulled away from
the adjacent rail or track sections 1, 1'. The bow elements 36 are
preferably stiff enough, so that they provide a desired degree of
resistance to being flexed or pulled away from the adjacent rail or track
sections 1, 1'. This resistance is applied to the platforms 2, 2' through
inelastic cables 14. Weights that can be pulled upward by a system of
cables and pulleys, fluid pistons, elastic bands, etc. can be used as
alternatives to the use of flexible bow elements according to other
embodiments of the present invention.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to
particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing
description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential
characteristics of the present invention and various changes and
modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as
described by the claims which follow.
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